Enter a profession where the demand for teachers is high in New Zealand and overseas. Gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.
Our hands-on programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to support young children in their learning and development from birth to the age of five. You will learn how to teach in 21st century early childhood settings where building strong relationships is vital and diversity is welcomed.
You will undertake three practicum placements adding up to a total of 17 weeks in a range of early childhood centres, supported by experienced teachers and university supervisors.
The diploma is shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice. It is underpinned by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable outcomes in learning. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Māori.
You will be taught by academics who are experts in their fields of education and passionate about supporting the next generation of teachers.
There are two options for studying the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood), face-to-face and online. From 2023, this programme will be offered both part-time and full-time.
If you choose to study face-to-face, you will be based on the Epsom campus where courses are taught through a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, and workshops, as well as some online learning. If you choose the online option, you will study the same courses but do so online. Note, you cannot swap between the face-to-face and online options.
For more information on the online option, including practicum requirements, visit the Online Graduate Diploma Teaching page.
The programme will prepare you to become part of the early childhood community, help you establish connections and support you as you prepare for the transition into teaching. By the end of the programme you will be familiar with the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki and effective teaching practices. You will be eligible to apply for provisional certification as a practising early childhood teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. Find out more and apply.
Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our Info for applicants page.
Still got questions? Email our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist at pgt@auckland.ac.nz.
